James Irven McGraw was born on July 23, 1928 to Grover and Margaret McGraw. He grew up as the middle child, one of 7 children to a poor rural farm family in Arkansas. He grew up dreaming of the day when he would have his own family. More than anything he wanted a happy home. He left home when he was 17 and went with his cousin to NYC, hoping to join the merchant marines. As it happened, that was not the plan. He ended up joining the Army instead, just missing the end of World War II. For two years he worked as a mechanic and as a baker. Toward the end of his two years he was stationed in Spokane, Washington. It was there that he met his sweet heart Carol Brother. He was instantly taken with her sweet smile and happy disposition, and he quickly made a place in her home. Enjoying the warm hospitality and good food that Carol’s mom Francis always provided. He enjoyed the role of a “big brother” to Carol’s younger siblings Barbara and Jerry.
It is through Carol that he came to know God and both he and Carol came to have a deep growing desire to serve God. When his time ended in the military, dad chose to return to Spokane, the home of his sweet heart. They were soon after married. There years together brought them many adventures, experiences, joy and sorrow.
They moved to Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where dad attended John Brown University. They moved to Brownsville, TX when dad graduated and for a period of time he was a science teacher at a boys school. When Jim felt the call to go in to ministry they moved to Portland, OR where dad attended seminary. They worked to in three rural churches in northern Washington State, where they welcomed their first child Timothy (Tim). Five years later in White Salmon, Washington they welcomed their daughter Linda. And so the adventure continued, a number a towns, a number of churches. The kids grew up. Tim enjoying sports. Linda playing the flute. They moved to West Memphis, Arkansas where they invested many years serving the Lord in their ministry, Mid-South Christian Ministries.
After thirty years they felt that it was time to relocate and enjoy “retirement”. Though they were sad to leave all of their many friends in Arkansas, they moved to Farmersville, TX, close to dad’s little sister Pauline and all of her family. It was a time of great blessing for them. Enjoying their time with family, and developing many precious friendships. Dad did get his happy home. Married 68 years to Carol, who passed away in November 2017. He did serve the Lord well. He finished strong. Now he’s with our Lord and with mom.
Visitation will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Hurst’s Fielder Baker Funeral Home in Farmersville, Texas.
Funeral service will be at 12:00 noon in the chapel. Rev. David Meeks will officiate. Interment will follow in Thompson Cemetery.